Adelaide has a strong case to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026, Commonwealth Games Australia president Ben Houston says.
The South Australian government has launched a feasibility study into hosting the games, which Mr Houston says puts Adelaide ahead of rival cities.
"Commonwealth Games Australia wants to see the games return to Australia, it's important for our athletes and our member sports.
"As we have seen recently on the Gold Coast, hosting the games can deliver great legacy benefits to communities.
"In announcing their decision to commission that (study) today South Australia has a head start."
But Mr Houston said the CGA would continue working with other cities interested in hosting the games in Australia before any decision was made on final bidder.
The study officially moves Adelaide from the dialogue phase to the feasibility phase in line with Commonwealth Games Federation guidelines.
Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive David Grevemberg also said Adelaide had "very strong potential" as a host city.
SA Sports Minister Corey Wingard said the state had an ingrained sporting culture, easy access to high-class facilities and the most welcoming people in the nation.
"But the Liberal government remains firm in our commitment to provide strong and responsible economic leadership for all South Australians," he said.
"That is why a thorough assessment must be completed and the government will only sign on as a candidate city if hosting the games will provide an economic boost and create legacy projects which will benefit our state into the long-term future."
The feasibility study will be compiled by the Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing and is expected to be completed later this year.
Chief executive Kylie Taylor said that events like the games had the power to inspire a new generation of South Australian athletes.
"The legacy of a Commonwealth Games can extend well into the future for up and coming athletes while the current stars have extra motivation to compete on home soil," she said.
